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Future Watch 2024
Our annual Future Watch edition is now 116 pages packed with info examining the prospect pipeline for each NHL club and counting down the top 100 prospects in the game. In our NHL Team Reports, you'll find scouting reports for the top 10 prospects for each organization. In addition, we take an in-depth look at two teams with the best systems: the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. And we also have features on several of the game's best youngsters, including Matvei Michkov, Will Smith, Liam Ohgren and Adam Gajan.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
IN THE FIVE DRAFTS from 2018 through 2022, the Maple Leafs had just two first-round picks. In 2018, they selected Rasmus Sandin 29th overall, but he was traded to Washington Feb. 28, 2023. In 2020, they took Rodion Amirov at No. 15, but he tragically died of a brain tumor last summer. In two of the past three drafts, the Leafs have had only three picks. But assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser believes there is quality there. “We have some players who have outplayed where they were drafted,” she said. “We have a good middle crop of prospects. Guys who can come in and be steady NHL players.” C+ | RANK: 23RD 1. EASTON COWAN OVERALL 43 RW, 18, 5-10, 171 London (OHL) 42–27–48–75–62 2023 draft, 28th overall He was almost cut from Canada’s WJC team and didn’t have…
WORTH THE WAIT
Anyone who has instantly regretted the several hours of their life they’re never getting back after watching an endless loop of cat videos or conspiracy theories – and you know who you are because you’re all of us – can give a TED Talk on the potential dangers of social media. But, man, there are times when it comes in handy, and we’re not just talking about how you can become an expert on everything from laying patio stones to how to make a great instructional video with the click of a mouse. It’s hard to imagine just how the hockey world would have kept up with the exploits of the best prospect in the world without it. You see the name in the trending column, and you simply can’t help…
WINNIPEG JETS
THOUGH DEVELOPMENT IS GENERALLY associated with what’s done in-house, the Jets know the value of utilizing the global game, whether that means leveraging the opportunity to send a player to major junior or keeping them closer to home on the big European ice. “(The organization) has done a great job letting players develop in their environment and knowing when the time is right to let them make that jump to the AHL, to the NHL,” said Jets director of player development Jimmy Roy. “They’ve done a tremendous job of using those leagues they play in to develop.” B– | RANK: 16TH 1. RUTGER MCGROARTY OVERALL 35 RW, 19, 6-1, 200 Michigan (Big Ten) 25–12–26–38–4 2022 draft, 14th overall McGroarty’s performance as Captain America on Team USA’s gold medal-winning WJC squad served as a showcase of both his leadership…
MINNESOTA WILD
BROCK FABER WAS STILL in college last year, while Marco Rossi skated in the AHL. Now, the two are key players for the Wild. Faber is a top all-situations blueliner, and Rossi is a playmaking center. Their transitions from prized prospects to NHLers are reminders of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. With the Wild dealing with a salary-cap pinch, the need for youth on team-friendly contracts isn’t going away any time soon. Fortunately for the Wild, they’ve cultivated a pool of possibilities at each position that offers a range of abilities. B | RANK: 11TH 1. JESPER WALLSTEDT OVERALL 16 G, 21, 6-3, 213 Iowa (AHL) 14-13-0, 2.89, .904 2021 draft, 20th overall Wallstedt didn’t sleep after making his NHL debut. He was too busy re-watching the game. Surrendering seven goals to Dallas as an emergency…
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